Call-In for Pollard

Passover is the holiday of freedom. After 22 years, isn't it time?

Twenty-two years ago Jonathan Pollard was imprisoned on charges of passing American security secrets to Israel. The Jewish people refuse to forget him.

The latest attempt to free Pollard is a nationwide call-in campaign, to ask President Bush to issue executive clemency. The number to call is the White House at 1-202-456-1414.

Executive Clemency is Pollard's only recourse. He exhausted all other legal options last year when the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear his case.

The call-in campaign is the initiative of Rabbi Pesach Lerner of the National Council of Young Israel, who has visited Pollard many times in his prison cell in North Carolina.

The leading Torah sages in Israel wrote an appeal to President Bush.

The call-in campaign has broad support in the Jewish community. The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations wrote to President Bush that while they "represent a broad spectrum of views, the fifty-four member organizations unanimously authorized us to communicate this appeal that you grant clemency to Mr. Pollard."

As well, the leading Torah sages in Israel, Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv and Rabbi Aaron Leib Steinman, wrote to President Bush: "We appeal to you as President of the greatest power on earth, the epitome of compassion and generosity, to grant clemency to Mr. Jonathan Pollard."

The argument for the release of Pollard is 3-fold:

(1) The Disproportionate Nature of the Sentence

Pollard was imprisoned in 1985 and convicted on one count of passing classified information to an American ally -- Israel. The information that Pollard passed dealt with Syrian, Iraqi, Libyan and Iranian nuclear, chemical, and biological warfare capabilities -- being developed for use against Israel.

It is argued that Israel was legally entitled to this information according to a 1983 Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries. The information that Pollard passed to Israel is credited with allowing Israel to prepare civilians with gas masks and sealed rooms in the event of poison gas attacks, five years before the eventual attacks.

Pollard is the only person in the history of the United States to receive a life sentence for spying for an American ally.

The severity of Pollard's sentence is unprecedented. The maximum sentence today for such an offense is 10 years, and averages 2 to 4 years. Life sentences have previously been handed only to those found guilty of spying for enemy countries. And although Pollard pled guilty as part of a plea bargain, he was shown no leniency and was given a life sentence. Pollard is the only person in the history of the United States to receive a life sentence for spying for an American ally.

Furthermore, Pollard has expressed remorse, both publicly and in private letters to the President and others.

(2) The Mitzvah of "Redeeming Captives"

The Jewish obligation to redeem captives is near the very top of religious imperatives. It is so significant that even a Torah scroll may be sold to ransom a captive. Throughout Jewish history, Jewish communities went to extraordinary lengths to redeem captives.

The Talmud says that captivity is worse than starvation and death. And the Code of Jewish Law rules that one who delays in ransoming a captive is considered like a murderer (YD 252:3).

Dr. Joseph Geliebter, of the Rabbi Leib Geliebter Memorial Foundation, who is sponsoring the call-in campaign, says that the 22 years of incarceration has special significance. For 22 years, Joseph was separated from his father, Jacob. And the Talmud indicates that during the 22nd year of an unresolved matter, there is Heavenly intervention. (Ketubot 42b with Rashi)

(3) Support from U.S. Officials

A variety of U.S. public officials support Pollard's release. In reference to Pollard's life sentence, Federal Judge Stephen Williams said that "the government's breach of the plea agreement was a fundamental miscarriage of justice."

James Woolsey, former head of the CIA, recently told Israel National News: "My view is that 20 years is enough. I also think that the close relationship between the US and Israel is also of some consideration, and at this point I think he's served long enough."

Whatever facts he might know would have little if any effect on national security today."

Rudolph Giuliani, former Mayor of New York City and a 2008 presidential candidate, has said that Pollard's sentence "is way beyond the sentences served by other people that have been convicted of the same offense."

Former US Ambassador Dennis Ross says: "Pollard has been in jail for so long, that whatever facts he might know would have little if any effect on national security today."

Call-in campaign

The White House call-in campaign continues through Passover, the Holiday of Freedom. The White House counts and tallies all in-coming calls, so every phone call makes a difference. The White House phone number is 1-202-456-1414, and calls are taken from between 10 am and 4 pm ET. Expect the lines to be busy and to keep calling until you get through.

People are also requested to pray for Yehonatan ben Malka, and to say Psalms chapter 121.

Featured at Aish.com:

The opinions expressed in the comment section are the personal views of the commenters. Comments are moderated, so please keep it civil.

Visitor Comments: 28

(28)
Albert Ezekiel,
May 10, 2007 6:12 PM

This is not JUSTICE at all.

You,America did not play fair. As one of your President once said "Evil prospers while good men do nothing".

(27)
Marcia Vineberg,
March 29, 2007 5:37 PM

Free Pollard! This is outrageous! This is a disgrace to the American public.

(26)
Rachell,
March 29, 2007 12:24 PM

Direct Phone Number

There is a direct line for White House comments, which is 202-456-1111. The number you listed in the article above is a more general number to the White House.

(25)
Janet Hardin,
March 28, 2007 10:26 PM

Pollard has served more than his time and was only helping us and Israel at the time.

Please let Pollard out of prison and protect him and his family.

(24)
one man,
March 28, 2007 2:07 PM

pardons

Throughout America's brief history many a felon has been pardoned. I am not one to expound upon this particular case, as I have only partial information. The government of the United States would do a greater justice to free Jonathan. I have to ask sometimes what has become of American justice? The founding fathers of the constitution extended many pardons to those perceived to be against the public and the new nation forming, before, during, and after the war for independence. If I am not mistaken only crimes resulting in damage to the union or the public safety can be construed as treasonable offenses. The safety of the nation has not been harmed and an amicable ally has perhaps been preserved. I have always been of the understanding that the United States was formed utilizing many of the concepts and precepts found in the Torah, in fact Jews were involved with the government's formation. I am saddened by the disregard of the many contributions of the Jewish community to the benefit and enhancement of the United States.

(23)
David,
March 28, 2007 9:16 AM

Pardons - a presidential tradition

I suspect that President Bush will include Pollard among his last minute pardons on his last day in office. (If not this year) After all, its a presidential tradition. Lets at least hope so, as its highly unlikely that any of the current democratic (or republican?) front-runners are likely to pardon him while he (or she) is in office.

(22)
Stu Bobrow,
March 27, 2007 8:14 PM

Let him out!

Keep him out once he is let out!

(21)
Shoshanna,
March 27, 2007 8:08 AM

It's way past time for Jonathan to be let out. If people have a problem with him being set free to live in the USA, I am sure he would love to go to Israel.

(20)
Betti Miner,
March 26, 2007 4:03 PM

time to release Jonathan

I feel it is time for Jonathan to be released. The man who should have served in his place, Caspar Weinberger lied about Jonathan and unfortunetly was believed!! It is time for Jonathan to go home to Esther and have a family like the Torah says and go home to Israel because this country "hung him out to dry" A book called "A spy who knew too much", points the finger to Weinberger and those who plotted to keep Jonathan in prison for the rest of his life. Weinberger was of Jewish background and wanted to hurt Jonathan as much as he could. His behavior was a shanda and I hope he apologized for lying about the whole thing before he died. Blessings to Esther and to Jonathan's parents this Passover. Thank you

(19)
andy,
March 26, 2007 1:24 PM

pollard guilty and we should work for his release

it seems pollard commited a serious crime and served much more then the usual jail time for the crime. either we don't know the true nature of his crime or he is being unfairly punished.either pardon him or tell us why he deserves this prolonged jail sentence.

(18)
Eli,
March 26, 2007 1:20 PM

Response to "Anonymous" from 3/26/2007

Nobody is making or suggesting to make Jonathan Pollard a "saint". Also, nobody is claiming that what he did was legal. What we are saying is that 22 years of imprisonment for a crime that is punishable by no more than 10 years is an massive injustice. Don't you think? And you don't need to be Jewish to divulge information. We've had plenty of Home-grown Americans selling secrets to our ENEMIES with a major risk of the US being hurt. In Pollards case he divulged information (albeit illegaly) for the SAFETY of an ALLIED country. BIG DIFFERENCE!! Won't you agree?

(17)
Dr. Arthur Shapiro,
March 26, 2007 11:54 AM

Keep up this important work!

(16)
Jacqueline Price,
March 26, 2007 11:47 AM

This pains me to say or even think, especially because I'm an American-Jew. However, maybe its about time that Isreal recognizes that America isn't such a good and valued aly; because of its anti-semitism behavior.

(15)
Anonymous,
March 26, 2007 6:18 AM

Pollard should remain in prison for his life.

Before you make Pollard some kind of saint, please consider the following:1) Pollard received cash for the confidential intelligence he disclosed, hardly an altruistic motive.2) If Pollard's conduct is deemed justified by the Jewish community, the obvious lesson to the U.S. Government is that American Jews should not be hired for any kind of positions involving sensitive issues of American security.

By the way, who is Pollard to decide what intelligence reports are to remain secret and what may be disclosed?

(14)
Esther Pollard,
March 26, 2007 2:23 AM

Dial 202-456-1111 and do not press 1

To reach a live person at the White House Comment Line, dial the direct number 202-456-1111, and when prompted to dial 1 or to wait for an operator, do not dial 1, wait for the operator. It usually does not take long.This is the best way to ensure that you will get a live person, not an answering machine.Remember, the only words that matter are: "Free Jonathan Pollard now!" All messages are counted by subject matter only. So always be sure to say, "Free Jonathan Pollard, now!" Even more than the messages and calls are being counted on Earth, they are being counted in Heaven. Call now! 202-456-1111 May G-d grant that our prayers and calls will bring the desired result and that Jonathan will sit at the seder table here in Yerushalyim on Leil HaSeder, truly and finally ben horin!

(13)
Barnett Parker,
March 25, 2007 9:34 PM

appropriate

Many things these days in Washington are inappropriate. One other such situation is the inappropriate sentence inflicted on Jonathan Pollard. We have treated better many of our most mortal of enemies. Where is the logic and compassion?

(12)
penina elbaz,
March 25, 2007 8:10 PM

Yes, he deserves to be Free alrealdy.

Yes, he deserves to be Free alrealdy.

(11)
James Cole,
March 25, 2007 7:48 PM

Excellent article on Jonathon Pollard

Thank you for the very informative and important article on Mr. Pollard. I will be calling the White House shortly to demand his release.

(10)
Aron Sherman,
March 25, 2007 7:38 PM

No help from Clinton either.

For a full perspective on this case, readers should be aware that the Clinton administration -- during its 8 years in Washington -- routinely shoved aside all appeals for Pollard. At that time there was much Jewish influence in Washington. But it appears that these trendy, politically-correct Jews were more interested in "cool" causes such as radical feminism, affirmative action, gay rights, etc, than in helping some pathetic political fall guy who just happens to be a fellow Jew. And this means that, sadly, Pollard can probably expect no better hope from a future Democratic govt.

(9)
ilana,
March 25, 2007 7:10 PM

Thank you!!

Thank you for taking a public stand on this issue! Sometimes I start thinking we as Jews are sliding down the same slope that caused the destruction of our Temple because we are so apathetic and complacent when our brothers are in need - any need! I think the Pollard issue forces us to take a look at our beliefs and ponder what we would do given Pollard's situation. We in America are in a host country that is increasingly showing bias against Israel. A stand for Jonathan Pollard is NOT a popular decision but it is the right one and inline with Torah principles. Thank you!!ilana

(8)
Anonymous,
March 25, 2007 6:03 PM

What was the big deal anyway ?!

1. I don't know the specifics of the case. That is, I don't know what specifically Pollard was guilty of; what the NEGATIVE consequences of his actions were, why he received an apparently harsh sentence when it now seems some intelligence officials feel that he should have a pardon?

2. President Bush in many respects is a straight talking kind of guy. If he should come to believe that Pollard's sentence was more a product of the attitudes of the time, the climate between administrations both here and abroad, and that in a different climate Pollard's actions might have merely received a wink and a caution "not to do it again" , he might consider a pardon. But only under those circumstances, and with the assurances from current administrators of the intelligence services that from a tactical perspective Jonathan Pollard in fact had done nothing to harm the US strategic interests [although from a bureaucratic standpoint he may have broken most of the rules], while being of aid to an American ally.

(7)
mike zee,
March 25, 2007 3:58 PM

Pollard got his due .GET OVER IT.!!

Quit whining. He was a spy, got caught and had his day in the courts. The twist is the Israel government is involved. Belatedly they admitted that he was in their pay. He is where he deserves to be. A;ways love jailed prisoners who find religion. There is no compelling reason for him not to remain in prison. Perhaps the Israel Government will learn from this. It needs to protect its spies and not be in denial. I am waiting for someone to say what he did was right and trhat he was doing a mitzvah. He was asimply a deluded and paid crook who got caught and does not like the consequences. As they say HAZORIM BERINAH BDIMAH YIKTZORU.

(6)
Bill Josephs,
March 25, 2007 3:42 PM

Jon Pollard

If I remember right, Loftus and Aarons, in their lengthy and heavily annotated book the "Secret War Against the Jews" published more than 10 years ago, described Pollard as being entirely self-motivated and moreover, that his actions "blew the whistle" on Iran-Contra and that the primary reason that he remains in jail is that the government of Israel believes that if he gets out he will endlessly embarass Israel with countless tales from his era. So I don't think that the US Government has much to do with it and that any action we take is or has been thought by Israeli officials to do great damage to the reputation of Israel in the world.

A pretty sticky wicket, I'd say.

Could I hear back from you?

With appreciation,

Bill Josephs

(5)
Dvirah,
March 25, 2007 3:38 PM

Pro and Con

It might be of interest for people to know that some 2 years before Pollard was arrested, 2 professional American spies (CIA men) were caught working in Israel. The Israeli govement simply deported the 2 back to the US and the matter was discretely buried (only the one quickly suppressed news bulletin).On the other hand, vis-a-vis Pollard himself, there is evidence that he supplied more than Israel with secrets and in fact sold information to anyone willing to pay him, includng countries then considered enemies of the US.

(4)
richard dembinski,
March 25, 2007 2:37 PM

pollard

Just for the record this man deserves to stay in prison for the rest of his life-although i'm a strong supporter of israel i am an american first and formost and anyone who does harm to this country does not deserve a break-you make your choices in life and you have to live with the consequences-he belongs in prison for the rest of his natural life-thank yourichard dembinski

(3)
rina debono,
March 25, 2007 1:10 PM

is enough 22 years is punishment ,please

let hem go back to Israel , to is family

(2)
Meilech,
March 25, 2007 12:41 PM

The problem is that Shamir passed this info onto the Russians.That is what many people dont know.In Russia Pollard would have been shot.He is lucky to have spied against America.

(1)
John Ross,
March 25, 2007 9:45 AM

For Additional Support on this Project

Suggest that each U.S. rabbi with a congregation republish your article in their local newsletters; and, where possible, that they presonally request call-in support at each of the services they conduct during the Passover observance period.

I've been striving to get more into spirituality. But it seems that every time I make some progress, I find myself slipping right back to where I started. I'm getting discouraged and feel like a failure. Can you help?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Spiritual slumps are a natural part of spiritual growth. There is a cycle that people go through when at times they feel closer to God and at times more distant. In the words of the Kabbalists, it is "two steps forward and one step back." So although you feel you are slipping, know that this is a natural process. The main thing is to look at your overall progress (over months or years) and be able to see how far you've come!

This is actually God's ingenious way of motivating us further. The sages compare this to teaching a baby how to walk. When the parent is holding on, the baby shrieks with delight and is under the illusion that he knows how to walk. Yet suddenly, when the parent lets go, the child panics, wobbles and may even fall.

At such times when we feel spiritually "down," that is often because God is letting go, giving us the great gift of independence. In some ways, these are the times when we can actually grow the most. For if we can move ourselves just a little bit forward, we truly acquire a level of sanctity that is ours forever.

Here is a practical tool to help pull you out of the doldrums. The Sefer HaChinuch speaks about a great principle in spiritual growth: "The external awakens the internal." This means that although we may not experience immediate feelings of closeness to God, eventually, by continuing to conduct ourselves in such a manner, this physical behavior will have an impact on our spiritual selves and will help us succeed. (A similar idea is discussed by psychologists who say: "Smile and you will feel happy.")

That is the power of Torah commandments. Even if we may not feel like giving charity or praying at this particular moment, by having a "mitzvah" obligation to do so, we are in a framework to become inspired. At that point we can infuse that act of charity or prayer with all the meaning and lift it can provide. But if we'd wait until being inspired, we might be waiting a very long time.

May the Almighty bless you with the clarity to see your progress, and may you do so with joy.

In 1940, a boatload 1,600 Jewish immigrants fleeing Hitler's ovens was denied entry into the port of Haifa; the British deported them to the island of Mauritius. At the time, the British had acceded to Arab demands and restricted Jewish immigration into Palestine. The urgent plight of European Jewry generated an "illegal" immigration movement, but the British were vigilant in denying entry. Some ships, such as the Struma, sunk and their hundreds of passengers killed.

If you seize too much, you are left with nothing. If you take less, you may retain it (Rosh Hashanah 4b).

Sometimes our appetites are insatiable; more accurately, we act as though they were insatiable. The Midrash states that a person may never be satisfied. "If he has one hundred, he wants two hundred. If he gets two hundred, he wants four hundred" (Koheles Rabbah 1:34). How often have we seen people whose insatiable desire for material wealth resulted in their losing everything, much like the gambler whose constant urge to win results in total loss.

People's bodies are finite, and their actual needs are limited. The endless pursuit for more wealth than they can use is nothing more than an elusive belief that they can live forever (Psalms 49:10).

The one part of us which is indeed infinite is our neshamah (soul), which, being of Divine origin, can crave and achieve infinity and eternity, and such craving is characteristic of spiritual growth.

How strange that we tend to give the body much more than it can possibly handle, and the neshamah so much less than it needs!